Inter Milan and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella is relishing his nomination for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.
He has been nominated alongside his Inter teammate Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez. Andre Onana who made a move from the Nerazurri (Black and Blues) to Manchester United this summer was also nominated.
Barella happens to be the only Italy international on the 30 man nominees list.
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He had an exciting 2022/23 Serie A season scoring six goals and dishing out six assists in 35 matches from his position.
He also led Inter Milan to a runners-up finish in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the final on June 10 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
Barella is thrilled to be on the Ballon d’Or shortlist for the second time in three years.
“I thank all my teammates,” Football Italia quoted Barella as saying
“We had a great season even if we didn’t win the Champions League. I thank Simone Inzaghi and my teammates.
“It’s not an extra responsibility, there are perhaps many players who have been included in the list before and perhaps deserve to be included in the list this time.
“I am proud to represent Italy on this list and I am sure somebody else could be there. I can only say I am proud and and thank everyone who helped me be on this list for the second time in three years.”
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 30 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Barella has made three appearances for Inter Milan in the Serie A in the 2023/24 season.
He is in the Italian squad for the UEFA Euros qualifying match against North Macedonia on Saturday, September 9 at the Tose Proeski Arena and Ukraine on Tuesday, September 12 at the San Siro.
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